XTU Architects is Proposing a Set of Four Twisting Structures

French studio XTU Architects developed a glass tower concept for a site in Hangzhou, China that fuses design and innovative technology. The structures are not only intended to beautifully twist from the base upward but they also incorporate a patent-pending insulation technology that involves micro-algae.

The "bio facade" that is featured in XTU Architects' glass tower concept has multiple benefits. On one hand, it "uses the thermal building to regulate the culture temperature of the algae" and keeps the energy from escaping. On the other hand, it actively offsets the environmental impact of the building "by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen."

This glass tower concept aims to solve the issues faced by traditional buildings having to do with heat escaping and solar glare.